We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Porsha Hendrix. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Porsha below.
Hi Porsha, thanks for joining us today. What’s the backstory behind how you came up with the idea for your business?
When I found out I was pregnant with my son, Porter Lee, I began sewing various baby-related items like cloth diapers, burp rags, and bibs. As I used the burp rags around the house, I realized their versatility and utility extended beyond just baby care. Wanting something more socially acceptable to keep in the kitchen, I decided to create reusable paper towels. When I shared my idea with my partner, he initially thought I was crazy. Despite the skepticism, I persisted, and five years later, we are still using the same set of reusable paper towels that I made initially. Witnessing their durability and sustainability firsthand, I realized I had stumbled upon something special.
As friends and family saw the success of my homemade reusable paper towels, they began requesting sets of their own. Encouraged by their enthusiasm, I decided to take my creations to market. After my very first market experience, I opened an Etsy shop and began receiving orders from customers who shared my passion for sustainability.
The decision to turn my passion into a full-fledged business came when I realized the potential to make a meaningful impact while providing a solution to a common problem. By offering high-quality, eco-friendly alternatives to single-use products, I knew I could contribute to reducing waste and promoting sustainable living. Moreover, the overwhelming positive response from customers validated the need for such products in the market.
With each sale, I felt a sense of fulfillment knowing that I was not only running a successful business but also making a positive difference in the world. As my business grew, I made the bold decision to leave my corporate job of over seven years and commit to Porter Lee’s Reusables full-time. The journey has been both challenging and rewarding, but seeing the continued growth and impact of my business reaffirms my belief in the importance of sustainable living and the value of supporting woman-owned small businesses.
Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.
My journey into the sustainable living industry began unexpectedly when I found out I was expecting my son, Porter Lee. As a soon-to-be mom, I delved into the world of sewing, initially creating baby-related items like cloth diapers and bibs. However, it was when I began making reusable paper towels for everyday use that I stumbled upon a niche that would eventually become my passion and business.
Porter Lee’s Reusables offers a range of eco-friendly products designed to replace single-use items and promote sustainable living. From reusable paper towels to cloth wipes and other household essentials, our products are crafted with durability, functionality, and sustainability in mind. By providing alternatives to disposable products, we aim to reduce waste and minimize our environmental impact.
What sets Porter Lee’s Reusables apart is our commitment to quality, craftsmanship, and sustainability. Each product is handmade with care in-house, ensuring the highest standards of craftsmanship and attention to detail. We take pride in offering durable, long-lasting alternatives to disposable items, allowing our customers to make a positive impact on the environment while enjoying practical and stylish solutions for their everyday needs.
One of the things I’m most proud of is the journey of growth and impact that Porter Lee’s Reusables has undergone over the years. From starting out as a small, home-based operation to now being featured in over 80 retailers nationwide, it’s been incredibly rewarding to see the business flourish and make a difference in the lives of our customers and the planet.
Above all, I want potential customers, eco warriors, and fans to know that Porter Lee’s Reusables is more than just a brand – it’s a commitment to sustainability, quality, and conscious living. Whether you’re looking to reduce your environmental footprint, support a woman-owned small business, or simply enjoy practical and stylish alternatives to single-use products, Porter Lee’s Reusables has something for you. Join us in making a positive impact on the world, one reusable product at a time.
Can you talk to us about how your side-hustle turned into something more.
Yes, my side hustle eventually transitioned into my main/full-time business, and the journey from hobby to thriving enterprise has been both exhilarating and transformative.
It all began as a passion project while I was still working my full-time corporate job, traveling extensively for work. With limited time outside of my career obligations, I channeled my creativity and passion for sustainability into sewing reusable household items, primarily as a way to reduce waste and live more consciously.
However, when the COVID-19 pandemic hit and travel came to a halt, I found myself with newfound time and opportunity to focus more on my side hustle. Inspired by the toilet paper shortage and the increasing demand for sustainable alternatives, I decided to create reusable toilet paper and put it up for sale online, almost as an experiment to gauge interest.
To my astonishment, the response was overwhelming. Within a matter of weeks, I received thousands of orders, far surpassing any expectations I had. It was a defining moment that signaled the potential for my hobby to become something much more significant.
With the sudden influx of orders, I enlisted the help of friends and family, turning my home into a makeshift production studio where we worked tirelessly to fulfill orders and meet the growing demand. This period of rapid growth and expansion marked a significant milestone in the history of my business.
As the business continued to grow, I made the decision to leave my corporate job and dedicate myself full-time to Porter Lee’s Reusables. It was a leap of faith, but one that has been incredibly rewarding. Today, I’m proud to see how far we’ve come and the impact we’ve made in promoting sustainability and conscious living.
Key milestones along the way include scaling up production, expanding our product line, securing partnerships with retailers, and growing our online presence. Each milestone has brought new challenges and opportunities for growth, but through dedication, perseverance, and a commitment to our values, we’ve continued to thrive and make a positive impact on the world.
Any stories or insights that might help us understand how you’ve built such a strong reputation?
Several factors have contributed to building our reputation within our market:
Quality Products: We prioritize craftsmanship and quality in everything we create. Our commitment to using high-quality materials and meticulous attention to detail ensures that our products not only meet but exceed customer expectations.
Sustainability Focus: As a brand dedicated to promoting sustainable living, we’ve resonated with environmentally-conscious consumers who are seeking eco-friendly alternatives to traditional disposable products. Our commitment to sustainability has helped us build a loyal customer base who value our mission and support our efforts to reduce waste.
Authenticity and Transparency: We believe in being transparent about our processes, materials, and values. By sharing our story and the journey behind our products, we’ve built trust and authenticity with our customers, who appreciate our commitment to honesty and integrity.
Community Engagement: We actively engage with our community through social media, events, and partnerships. By connecting with our customers on a personal level and listening to their feedback, we’ve fostered a sense of community and belonging around our brand.
Innovation: We’re always looking for ways to innovate and improve our products to better meet the needs of our customers. Whether it’s introducing new designs, incorporating customer feedback, or exploring new sustainable materials, our commitment to innovation sets us apart in the market.
Overall, our reputation within our market has been built on a foundation of quality, sustainability, authenticity, community engagement, and innovation. By staying true to our values and continually striving to improve, we’ve earned the trust and loyalty of our customers and established ourselves as a leader in the sustainable living space.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.porterlees.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/porterlees/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/porter.lees/